Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has an accelerated deadline for nominations for the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To accommodate a spring award ceremony, the deadline is earlier than usual. It is October 15, 2012. Museums and libraries that would like to be considered for the award should complete and mail the nomination form by that date. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the nation’s highest honor for exemplary service by museum and libraries.

The National Medal honors museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions. Public or private nonprofit museums, including art, history, science and technology, children’s, and natural history museums; historic houses, nature centers, zoos, and botanical gardens; and all types of nonprofit libraries, including public, school, academic, research, and archival, are eligible to receive this honor. The winners are honored at a National Medal award ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

For more information and to access the nomination form, please go to www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=13. A complete application will include a five-page, single-spaced narrative; financial statements for the past two fiscal years; and up to three letters of support. These nominating materials are reviewed by members of the National Museum and Library Services Board, a presidentially appointed policy advisory board of IMLS. Based on their recommendations, the IMLS Director selects the final winners.

Complete applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2012 to this address (no faxes or emails will be accepted):

The National Medal for Museum and Library Service
Office of the Director
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M St. NW 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20036-5802

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our grants, policy development, and research helps communities and individuals thrive by providing broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning. To learn more about IMLS, please visit www.imls.gov.